Obituary: Joyce Van Haren Stoddard

Joyce Van Haren Stoddard
Sept. 22, 1934 ~ April 15, 2018

Joyce Stoddard, a woman of strength, independence, character and intelligence, recently passed away. Joyce was born and raised in San Francisco, and enjoyed many summers both as a child and mother at her parent’s cabin on the Russian River. In Meeker, she very much enjoyed the ranching lifestyle with the love of her life, David Stoddard, and continued her pharmacy career at Jirak’s Corner Drug. After David passed away far too young, she continued to own the ranch for another 10 years until she moved to Grand Junction, where she not only continued with pharmacy, but obtained her Doctorate of Pharmacology. She also found time to volunteer with the Grand Junction Police Department, local senior citizen groups, and traveled the world. She was preceded in death by David, her brother Myron, and her parents Myron and Marie Van Haren. Joyce is survived by her children, Leslie Kancilia of Mineral Wells, Texas; Steve Coley of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; and Carol Douglas of Arden, N.C.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A gathering in remembrance will be held in the park by where she lived for many years, 422 ½ Prospector Point in Grand Junction, 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. All are welcome to remember and celebrate Joyce’s life, and please bring a chair as seating is limited. Steve can be reached for any questions at [email protected] or 970-456-3596.